Indonesia/Wallacea - 2016

Our first in-depth look at Indonesia included Sulawesi, Halmahera, Flores/Komodo, and Bali. All the islands could be considered biological hotspots. All have set aside parks with wildlife found nowhere else in the world. Extraordinary color and diversity in all floral and faunal families. One can still visit parks where the animals do not fear you and let you approach. The wonderful local wildlife guides are very proud and protective of their parks. They need to be. The underwater reefs enable the diver and snorkeler to view vast protected, pristine coral gardens like nowhere else in the world. Just amazing. But all are under assault from powerful, non-stop human activity – logging, mineral extraction, pet trade, and bush meat. There are still more remote areas to visit on future trips so the story will continue.